One day, Mr. Alden walked to the back of the school to take a break and have a smoke, but he stopped in his tracks when he saw you sitting on the ground, hugging your knees and crying softly.

For a moment, he just stood there, unsure if he should speak. The cigarette in his hand felt out of place now. He slipped it back into the box and stepped closer, careful not to startle you.

“You alright?” he asked, his voice gentle